OCR/Variable head slot reader

#This invention relates to reading devices, and more particularly to optical character reading and magnetic reading devices in a common system in which magnetic credit cards and other documents such as checks may be read, providing both reading capabilities within one system.

#Present optical character reading systems provide either hand-held or fixed position readers. Hand-held readers as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,605, are used to read sales tickets, tags and various other items having OCR readable print thereon. In these systems the hand-held reader is moved adjacent the surface of the printed material to optically lift information therefrom.

#Magnetic readers for reading credit cards are also utilized wherein the credit card may be deposited in a slot and read to dispense cash, or record information therefrom. Even though many of the plastic credit cards have magnetic a stripe with information recorded thereon, a mechanical imprint machine is used to lift the printed material from the card when charge sales are made.

#A brief description of the drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the system of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the invention.

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a pictorial diagram of a reader of the present system. Illustrated is a document which is being read by the system. Checks and similar documents may have magnetic printing thereon which can be either magnetically or optically read. In such a system, as illustrated, a check may be fed to the system wherein the bank identification code and account number of the person issuing the check may be read. Such a system may be at a teller station, wherein the amount of the check is keyed in by the teller. The keyed information as well as the optically or magnetic read information is fed into a computer recording the transaction of cashing or depositing checks.

#Once the information is in the system, thereafter it can be handled by a central computer balancing an active account and issuing statements at the end of the month.

#Similarly, such a device may be used in a retail environment, wherein a credit card is fed to the system and the account number is magnetically read from the card. The cashier can then key in the amount of the sale wherein the customer account and the sale amount is entered into the computer for later billing.